Australian Senator's Remarks About Parliament Investigated

Police in Australia are investigating Senator Lidia Thorpe after she made comments about burning down Parliament House. She said her words were just a figure of speech. The country is discussing what is okay for politicians to say.
By Newsroom | Politics, Australia |

Canberra, Australia – An Australian senator’s comments at a rally have prompted an investigation by federal police, sparking national debate on political rhetoric and accountability. The remarks, made by Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe, occurred during a pro-Palestine event and have drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed an inquiry into statements suggesting the destruction of Parliament House.

Australia news live: no AFP action against Lidia Thorpe over ‘burn down Parliament House’ comment; BoM warns of ‘classic fire spike day’ for Victoria on Tuesday - 1

Escalation of Political Discourse

Senator Thorpe’s remarks, made on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at a pro-Palestine rally, have ignited a significant national conversation. Her statement, "if I have to burn down Parliament House to make a point … I am not there to make friends", has been interpreted in various ways, leading to official scrutiny. The comments were reportedly met with cheers from attendees at the rally, suggesting a receptive audience for her strong sentiment.

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Australia news live: no AFP action against Lidia Thorpe over ‘burn down Parliament House’ comment; BoM warns of ‘classic fire spike day’ for Victoria on Tuesday - 2

Official Responses and Actions

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has confirmed that its National Security Investigations (NSI) team is looking into Senator Thorpe's comments. This unit, established under Commissioner Krissy Barrett, examines behaviors and offenses that blur the lines between extremism, political violence, organized crime, and foreign interference, even if they don't meet the strict definition of terrorism.

Australia news live: no AFP action against Lidia Thorpe over ‘burn down Parliament House’ comment; BoM warns of ‘classic fire spike day’ for Victoria on Tuesday - 3

  • Government Position: Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, described Senator Thorpe's comment as unacceptable. He drew a parallel between the need to de-escalate tensions in Gaza and in Canberra, stating, "The concept of wanting to inflame, push the temperature up, is not what anyone should be doing, least of all a member of parliament." The government has not indicated if it will pursue separate parliamentary action.

  • Opposition Stance: The opposition has signaled its intention to explore available avenues within the Senate to hold Senator Thorpe accountable and ensure parliamentary safety. Liberal Senator Maria Kovacic questioned Senator Thorpe's suitability for her parliamentary role, while Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Michaelia Cash deemed the remarks "disgraceful and shocking".

  • Senator Thorpe's Defense: Senator Thorpe has maintained that her comments were metaphorical and not intended to be taken literally. She issued a statement before the AFP's investigation was publicly confirmed, asserting the symbolic nature of her remarks.

The AFP Investigation

The AFP's involvement underscores the seriousness with which such statements are being considered. The National Security Investigations (NSI) team, tasked with probing threats to public safety, has commenced a methodical review.

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Australia news live: no AFP action against Lidia Thorpe over ‘burn down Parliament House’ comment; BoM warns of ‘classic fire spike day’ for Victoria on Tuesday - 4

  • The AFP's NSI team in Victoria initiated the investigation shortly after the remarks were made.

  • This unit investigates actions that may not strictly meet the threshold for terrorism but involve potential extremism or political violence.

  • It is not the AFP's standard practice to offer ongoing commentary on such investigations.

Parliamentary Accountability

The situation has also raised questions about parliamentary conduct and the consequences for elected officials making potentially inflammatory statements.

  • The opposition is reportedly considering options to address Senator Thorpe's remarks within the Senate's procedural framework.

  • Commentators have suggested that ordinary citizens making similar threats would likely face immediate legal repercussions, prompting discussion about differential treatment for public figures.

Broader Implications

This incident highlights a growing trend of heightened scrutiny on political rhetoric, particularly when linked to international crises.

  • Senator Thorpe's comments have been framed within a context of intensified political discourse and the "weaponization of outrage" as a political tactic.

  • The event suggests a growing public expectation for politicians to navigate sensitive global events with greater care and accountability.

Analysis of Senator Thorpe's Remarks

Senator Thorpe's declaration, "if I have to burn down Parliament House to make a point", has been the central point of contention.

Literal Interpretation

  • A literal interpretation suggests a direct intent to cause physical destruction to a national institution.

  • This interpretation aligns with the concerns raised by government and opposition figures regarding safety and accountability.

  • If taken literally, such a statement could carry significant legal ramifications, akin to making a threat against public property.

Metaphorical Interpretation

  • Senator Thorpe has publicly stated her comments were metaphorical.

  • This suggests an intention to convey a strong sense of frustration or a symbolic call for radical change, rather than advocating for actual violence.

  • Her statement "I am not there to make friends" could be seen as an indication of her combative approach to political engagement.

Expert Commentary

"The swiftness of the backlash against Senator Thorpe points to a broader trend: the weaponization of outrage as a political tool." – Article 5

"The concept of wanting to inflame, push the temperature up, is not what anyone should be doing, least of all a member of parliament." – Tony Burke, Minister for Home Affairs.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The investigation by the AFP into Senator Lidia Thorpe's remarks is ongoing. The AFP's NSI team is methodically reviewing the senator's comments to determine if any laws have been breached. Concurrently, political actors are contemplating parliamentary responses. The situation underscores a national debate on the boundaries of political expression, particularly concerning potentially dangerous rhetoric, and the measures in place to ensure the safety and integrity of public institutions. The outcome of the AFP investigation and any potential parliamentary actions will be critical in shaping future discussions on accountability for political speech.

Sources:

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Sky News Australia and 7News Australia links were excluded due to summaries not containing actionable information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Senator Lidia Thorpe say?
She said, "if I have to burn down Parliament House to make a point... I am not there to make friends."
Q: Is she in trouble?
The Australian Federal Police are looking into her words.
Q: Did she mean to hurt anyone?
Senator Thorpe says she was speaking in a way that was not meant to be taken as a real plan.
Q: What do other politicians think?
Some politicians think her words were not good and want her to be held accountable. Others agree that politicians should not say things that make people angry.